"We also want some education reform," Cornett said. "I was a product of Virginia public schools, so I know the craziness of SOLs and the madness that has taken over the schools here in the last couple years. We really want to overhaul that in the public schools."
On the higher education front, he supports a measure already being taken in California to save money for college students.
"Another thing we are pushing for college is digital textbooks. They've been experimenting in California with them, and it would really help with the prices," Cornett said.
Cornett is the only Hokie currently on the ballot for state office, but Bryce Carter, another current student, is running for Blacksburg Town Council. Recent graduate Michael Sutphin is also running for town council.
Cornett said the recent federal elections seemed to inspire younger citizens around Blacksburg to get involved.
"There was such a big push for the election last year around campus," Cornett said. "You couldn't walk down the street without politics being a big factor."
Due to his youth, Cornett acknowledges that he is not expected to win the election, but said he will continue his political career.
"I'm definitely a long shot in this election," Cornett said. "If I don't get an office this time, I won't be devastated. It won't be the last you hear of me. I can definitely see myself being involved in politics, whether it is in office or, much more likely, doing something behind the scenes."
Shuler, his incumbent opponent, is a 1966 graduate of Tech, and a former member of the Blacksburg Town Council.
He has served in the House of Delegates since 1994.
Cornett said he is not running because he disagrees with the policies of Shuler.
"I can't say there are many differences, because I have a lot of respect for Jim Shuler," Cornett said.
Cornett actually voiced support for the past political decisions of his opponent.
"He's done a lot of really good work and if he gets elected again he's going to continue doing good work," Cornett said.
Cornett plans to begin campaigning in full swing when students return to Tech's campus in August.
His Web site, the centerpiece of his campaign, could be ready by the end of the month.
Continue Reading: « Previous12
Leave a comment 2 Comments Write a letter to the editor
All letters to the editor must include a name, e-mail, daytime phone number and affiliation to Virginia Tech. Affiliation includes: year and major for students; position and department for faculty and staff; current city for alumni and parents.
So, you happen to be running a) for the hell of it (because you don't disagree with Jim Shuler about damn near anything) b) so you can speak in the third person (let's be honest, there is no "we" to the Cornett for Delegate campaign not counting members of your own family) and c) because you are, at the bottom of everything, a huge tool.
Reply to this Top
Maybe do a little more research next time before citing that Mr. Cornett is the only Hokie running for office. I think his opponent, the incumbent Delegate Jim Shuler, would disagree. He is an alumnus of Virginia Tech, as are his colleagues in the House of Delegates Mr. David Bulova, Mr. Dan Bowling, Mr. Dave Nutter (also an administrator at Virginia Tech) to name a few.
Reply to this Top